What is the process called when a cell engulfs a molecule?

What is the process called when a cell engulfs a molecule?

• A. Endocytosis
• B. Exocytosis
• C. Diffusion
• D. Phagocytosis

Answer: (A)

Engulfing a molecule by a cell occurs through endocytosis, the process of taking in material by wrapping the plasma membrane around it and forming a vesicle inside the cell. This captures how substances are brought in via vesicle formation, rather than simply crossing the membrane. Exocytosis is the opposite—expelling material out of the cell. Diffusion moves molecules across the membrane without vesicles and without energy use in general. Phagocytosis is a specialized form of endocytosis focused on large particles like bacteria or debris, not typical molecules. So endocytosis is the best term for engulfing a molecule.

Engulfing a molecule by a cell occurs through endocytosis, the process of taking in material by wrapping the plasma membrane around it and forming a vesicle inside the cell. This captures how substances are brought in via vesicle formation, rather than simply crossing the membrane. Exocytosis is the opposite—expelling material out of the cell. Diffusion moves molecules across the membrane without vesicles and without energy use in general. Phagocytosis is a specialized form of endocytosis focused on large particles like bacteria or debris, not typical molecules. So endocytosis is the best term for engulfing a molecule.